Even though our summer heat is still here, our summer is over, as we head back to our offices and kitchens to get ready to welcome back our 2017-2018 students. There is so much going on, both at our districts and also with SNAAZ!

Our chapter leaders are planning their first meetings of the year for their chapter members. (Keep watching the website for chapter event postings) Rick Hall is underway with fundraising efforts for the School Nutrition Foundation. Our goal is to raise $3,500.00. If each member donates $10, we will make our goal! And if we raise $2,000.00 before the Annual Conference, Rick will bring back "Bo Peep" and completely shave his face for members to "do his makeup." Click on this link to make your donation: https://snfannual2015.networkforgood.com/projects/14513-sna-of-arizona-s-fundraiser

Mark your calendars for September 22-23, 2017 for our Annual Conference - Tune in to SNAAZ! The Conference Committee has some awesome plans up their sleeve and are turning up the volume with a great agenda. On Friday we are offering the SNS Exam, along with four Director/Supervisor Pre-Conference Sessions that are included with your conference registration fee. Break out your favorite concert T-Shirt and jeans, or dress in your favorite music genre or era for our Friday Night Awards Dinner and After Glow. Excellent sessions and a great food show and raffle are slated for day.

Our Keynote speaker, Dave Weber has a great message planned for us. Dave will be speaking on "Sticks & Stones Exposed: The Truth Behind Words & Relationships" (Culture & Climate). Also called "Some Days You're the Pigeon, Some Days the Statue!" Based on Dave's book, this hilarious presentation zeroes in on the power of our words and the impact they have on the culture and climate of the work environment. What kind of atmosphere are our words creating? One in which team members want to excel and do their best...or one that is breeding a team of clock watchers. Discover how to transform your work place and your relationships and how to build a great "community" with your team and family.

Conference online registration goes live on August 1st! Be ready to Rock It as we gather together at our State Conference in September

A few weeks ago 50+ Arizona attendees hit Hotlanta for the SNA Annual National Conference! AZ brought some extra "sizzle" to the conference as we walked away with the award for Membership Champion and Certification Goal Award! What an awesome conference this was with some truly dynamic speakers. In addition to our motivational and breakout speakers, the attendees were wowed by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue. What an honor it was for him to address the entire conference delegation as it's been 22 years since a Secretary of the USDA has spoken at ANC. If you were not able to attend the conference, I highly suggest you go to the SNA website to access the presentations given at breakouts, and general sessions. They are well worth the watch!

Many thanks for all you do for our students, community and Association. It is because of each of you that children are nourished and grow to be stronger in body, mind and spirit. My hats off to you all! Here's to an awesome year ahead!